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Airplane Launcher and Invention Kit by Makexchange

See how far you can fly with this exciting launcher and the innovative kit we used to create it.

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Airplane Launcher and Invention Kit by Makexchange

Airplane Launcher and Invention Kit by Makexchange

Airplane Launcher and Invention Kit by Makexchange

Airplane Launcher and Invention Kit by Makexchange

Airplane Launcher and Invention Kit by Makexchange

See how far you can fly with this exciting launcher and the innovative kit we used to create it.

See how far you can fly with this exciting launcher and the innovative kit we used to create it.

See how far you can fly with this exciting launcher and the innovative kit we used to create it.

See how far you can fly with this exciting launcher and the innovative kit we used to create it.

Joseph Greer
Joseph Greer
Joseph Greer
Joseph Greer
1 Campaign |
Chicago, United States
$9,878 USD 71 backers
39% of $25,000 Fixed Goal Fixed Goal
Prototype
The project team has a working demo, not the final product. Their ability to begin production may be affected by product development or financial challenges.
Check Wrench Warehouse Truck
Concept Prototype Production Shipping
Overview
We make it easy for aspiring inventors to get on a path toward learning how to invent with electronics. Use our kit and included manual to create exciting projects like: mini musical keyboard, memory game, digital thermostat, tic tac toe, an electrical generator, and of course, a paper airplane launcher (accessory sold separately) (music: Shangri-La by Yacht)

What can you make with it?

The airplane launcher is just one of the many fun projects you can create with our Inventor's Kit. You will also learn how to make:

...and that's only the beginning!

 

What Makes Our Design Great?

Our design evolved after several iterations based on input and observations from real users.  We wanted to understand how non-technical users approached the task of learning a new skill.  We wanted to know how elements of the kit made non-technical users feel.

From our observations, we neutralized characteristics that triggered negative emotional responses, then we accentuated those that engendered a more positive response.

The results are culminated in the product below.

Looks Like a Book

Easier to access and see means it'll be used more often which translates to greater value.

 

Portable Workspace

 

Preserves Your Work

 

Messy Cables Kept Out of Sight

 

Organized Storage Compartments

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did you come up with the idea?

Something clicked for me when I saw expressions of fear and confusion on the faces of two new interns who had just opened a well-used arduino kit.  I quickly grabbed a marker and a white board and asked the interns to describe what they were feeling.  I actually took a picture of it.  Here it is!

It was then I realized that I'd been looking at developing my new kit the wrong way.  I had been concentrating on what things should go in the box.  Instead, I should have been asking how the box and they way it is organized makes people feel when they use it.

Q: What’s in the kit?

The kit will come with the following 245 parts:

  • 1X 30cm USB cable
  • 1X Arduino-compatible microcontroller
  • 1X Acrylic developers plate
  • 1X Step-by-step project guide booklet
  • 1X USB Thumb drive (2GB) loaded with programs, software, docs, and source code
  • 1X Servo SG90 for RC toys
  • 1X Temperature sensor
  • 1X 9v AA Battery Connector
  • 1X Integrated Circuit 8-bit Shift Register
  • 1X Piezo Element (Buzzer Magnetic)
  • 2X Stackable trays 
  • 2X 6/9v DC Motor
  • 4X 4-40 3/8" machine screws
  • 8X 4-40 hex nuts
  • 1X Small screwdriver
  • 4X Transistors
  • 5X Trimmer Potentiometer with Knob
  • 10X Tactile push button switch
  • 12X 1N4004 Diode
  • 10X RGB 5mm LED light 4-pin
  • 12X Yellow 5mm LED light
  • 12X Red 5mm LED light
  • 12X Green 5mm LED light
  • 12X 400 PT Breadboard (clear plastic)
  • 20X Dupont Jumper cables 20cm (Assorted colors) male-to-male
  • 20X Dupont Jumper cables 20cm (Assorted colors) female-to-male
  • 40X Dupont Jumper cables 10cm (Assorted colors) male-to-male
  • 25X 330 Ohm Resistors
  • 25X 10K Ohm Resistors

Q: What is the recommended age group?

We suggest 10 - 110 years of age.  But if you're 112, we won't get in your way.  This is just a suggestion.  I personally have a 5-year-old daughter who loves to help me with my projects.

Q: What can I make with it?

The kit comes instructions for creating a variety of simple electronic games, a musical keyboard, and other projects.  

We plan to release 20 fun online instructional videos that will keep stretching your imagination and challenging your skills.

Q: How does it work?

The process of creating a project is simple.

  1. Place the desired electronic parts on the breadboard according to project instructions, then connect them to the microcontroller using the cables provided.
  2. Connect one end of the USB cable included to the microcontroller.
  3. Connect the other end to your computer.
  4. Using the software included, write the code telling the controller what to do and install that code on the controller.

Q: Do you need a computer to make it work?

Yes and No.  You'll need a computer to write the code and upload it to the controller.  But once you have the code installed, your controller doesn't need to be connected to your computer for power.  Use the provided battery pack to make your project function on its own.

Q: Will it work on my computer?

The software runs on most Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.  Check here for more information.

 

Current Status and Next Steps

Our venture is self-funded.  We have evidence of demand for our product.  We're hosting this campaign to validate demand for our product and raise the funding to cross the finish line.

What We've Achieved

  1. Defined kit contents
  2. Sourced and procured enough components to fill 100 kits
  3. Tested the setup process on multiple Windows and Mac operating systems
  4. Compiled comprehensive set of necessary device drivers.
  5. Developed our package design
  6. Designed our custom developer plate and engraving process
  7. Conducted workshops with new users
  8. Procured a graphic design for our product that appeals to the masses
  9. Produced 2 high quality instructional videos
  10. Designed, prototyped, and tested a kick ass paper airplane launched
  11. Identified supplier candidates for our packaging and components
  12. Completed the outline and some graphics content for our project manual

What's Left?

  1. Finish producing the content for the project manual that will be included in every kit.
  2. Make digital design content for the airplane launcher available to the public for free
  3. Validate quality and reliability of our supplier candidates
  4. Order the first production run of our boxes
  5. Order first run of our project manuals
  6. Manually pack the first 100 kits with our existing supplies
  7. Update our web site to provide instructional videos for starter kit projects
  8. Begin product development for our next product, Volume II.
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Choose your Perk

featured

Classroom 10-Pack +Lesson Plan

$899 USD
Spice up your favorite classroom! Turn-key lesson plan options provides hands-on evidence-based learning for curious minds. Perfectly suited for the classroom. Rugged and durable for repeated use. Organized to keep rooms neat and tidy. Fits nicely on a bookshelf. Kids' work can be preserved for another day if necessary. Great as a donation too!
Included Items
  • 10-Pack: Kit & Launcher
  • Lesson Plan
1 out of 30 of claimed
Ships to United States of America, Canada

Wall of Honor

$5 USD
Your name will be added to the Makexchange Wall of Honor, on our website for all to see and recognize the goodness you do.
Included Items
  • Inducted into Wall of Honor
0 claimed

Laser-etched Development Plate

$10 USD
What's better than our unique development plate designed to hold your microcontroller and breadboard together? One that has your name etched onto it... BY A LASER!
Included Items
  • Personalized Development Plate
Estimated Shipping
January 2017
2 out of 150 of claimed
Ships to United States of America

Executive Producer

$20 USD
Your name listed as an Executive Producer in the credits of one of our online instructional videos.
Included Items
  • Executive Producer Title
2 claimed

OVERSEAS RESERVATION

$69 USD
International Reservation for the Inventors' Kit & Launcher ==== * INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS ONLY * * INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS ONLY * === Refundable deposit on your own Kit and Launcher delivered internationally. Delivery or refund guaranteed by September 30,2017. Refund subject to exchange rate changes and fees.
Included Items
  • Inventing with Electronics Kit
  • Paper Airplane Launcher
Estimated Shipping
September 2017
2 out of 300 of claimed

Paper Airplane Launcher & Kit

$69 USD
(+30% Limited Discount) Launch your adventure into the thrilling world of inventing with electronics with this stunning launcher (MSRP $19.99) and the kit it was invented with (MSRP $79). Kit comes with paper and digital manual to guide you through new and interesting projects from creating a mini musical keyboard, games, and more.
Included Items
  • Inducted into Wall of Honor
  • Inventing with Electronics Kit
  • Paper Airplane Launcher
  • Executive Producer Title
Estimated Shipping
March 2017
5 out of 72 of claimed
Ships to United States of America, Canada

Paper Airplane Launcher & Kit

$69 USD
(+30% Limited Discount) Launch your adventure into the thrilling world of inventing with electronics with this stunning launcher (MSRP $19.99) and the kit it was invented with (MSRP $79). Kit comes with paper and digital manual to guide you through new and interesting projects from creating a mini musical keyboard, games, and more.
Included Items
  • Inducted into Wall of Honor
  • Inventing with Electronics Kit
  • Paper Airplane Launcher
  • Executive Producer Title
Estimated Shipping
March 2017
0 out of 100 of claimed
Ships to United States of America, Canada

5-Pack Kit & Launcher

$329 USD
IDEAL FOR CLASSROOMS! Back our campaign and get your classroom set up for a science lesson that kids won't forget! Conduct evidence-based class experiment in which students compete in teams and learn through hypothesis testing, what makes a paper airplane perform.
Included Items
  • Inventing with Electronics Kit (5)
  • Paper Airplane Launcher (5)
Estimated Shipping
March 2017
0 claimed
Ships to United States of America

10-Pack Kit & Launcher

$659 USD
Great for schools, educational programs, and classes.
Included Items
  • 10-Pack: Kit & Launcher
Estimated Shipping
March 2017
0 out of 15 of claimed
Ships to United States of America, Canada

Corporate Function & 10-Pack

$999 USD
Have Makexchange CEO Joe Greer facilitate a private Paper Airplane Design and Launch competition for your team or client. Great for team-building or breaking the ice. The kits and launchers make great parting gifts too! Disclaimer: Session limited to 2 hours Travel & venue expenses not included, dates may vary, US and Canada only.
Included Items
  • Exclusive Private Workshop
  • 10-Pack: Kit & Launcher
Estimated Shipping
May 2017
2 out of 25 of claimed
Ships to United States of America, Canada

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